The Little Prince
Date
12th April - 26th April, 2025
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Location
Ellie Eaton Pavilion, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Perth
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Team
Writer: Antoine Saint-Exupéry
Director: Michael Barlow
Adapting Writer: Simon Clarke
Designer, Set and Puppet Maker: Jirka Zmitko
Assistant Maker: Kipling Smith
Composer: Lee Buddle
Musicians: Ross Bolleter (piano), Mark Storen (vocals)
Lighting Designer: Karen Cook
Production Manager/Stage Manager: Holland Brooks
Performers
Shane Adamczak
Louis Spencer​
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Role
Production/Stage Manager
Set off on a stellar adventure and rediscover wonder with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s The Little Prince
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First published 80 years ago and translated into more than 250 languages, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s masterful tale of adventure, friendship, and imagination has captivated audiences for generations.
Associate Director of Spare Parts, Michael Barlow, reflects on its enduring power, describing it as a story about growing up – about how we learn from our friends, and our ‘not friends’ – and how we hold onto our childhood goodness as we grow older and wiser to the ways of the world.
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“It’s an antidote to cynicism, to our modern obsessions with speed and glamour and status,” he said. “It is about the heart, the importance of loving, and our need to care for each other. The Little Prince gently wraps up its big ideas in a funny and playful adventure story that will stimulate young minds and stir the hearts of anyone who was once young.”
Adapted for the stage by Simon Clarke, The Little Prince showcases Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s finest artistry. Master puppet maker Jiri Zmitko’s transformative set design features a large scale airplane and some of the company’s most beautiful handcarved puppets brought to life by highly experienced performer Shane Adamczak (Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, Pillow Fight) and newcomer Louis Spencer, stepping into the spotlight after understudying roles in the company’s acclaimed productions of The Velveteen Rabbit and Show Day.
Notable Reviews
"The performance is very moving and clearly captured the imaginations of the young audience." Stage Whispers
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"Under director Michael Barlow and writer Simon Clarke, this adaptation is bright and engaging, drawing the audience in and encouraging them to reflect on the themes and messages at its heart." Pelican Magazine


